Riegersburg Bird of Prey Observatory
RiegersburgFlight demonstrations with the kings of the air - experience birds of prey up close!
Kings of the Skies
At the Riegersburg Birds of Prey Center, located just below the main castle on the north side of the volcanic hill, visitors are treated to exciting, entertaining, and informative bird-of-prey shows. Seated on wooden benches in an amphitheater-style arena, guests witness elegant gliding and dramatic dives of eagles, high-speed hunting flights of falcons, and the agile aerial maneuvers of kites and vultures.
There’s always a sense of suspense in the air, thanks to the – let’s call it – “free will” of the birds, which adds a unique surprise element to every show. As if to prove the point, a bald eagle swoops just inches above the audience before clumsily landing in a water basin where a piece of meat awaits. “He actually prefers fish,” we’re told. “We stimulate the birds’ natural instincts, but this isn’t training in the traditional sense,” explains the falconer – even if it sometimes appears that way. For example, sea eagle Hugo soars dramatically into the sky, then plunges into a cinematic dive.
One bird after another is brought out from the aviary, introduced both zoologically and personally, released into free flight, and gently lured back home. Even gyrfalcon Hanny takes to the sky – she even has a side job: “We help protect the Eurofighters in Zeltweg,” the falconer explains. This refers to bird deterrence: by flying large falcons regularly in certain areas, other birds tend to stay away, which increases aviation safety by reducing the risk of birds striking aircraft engines.
Fun fact: The birds presented at Riegersburg castle are only a part of the Weinhappel Falconry’s population. Most of the birds are kept at the breeding facility near Bad Gleichenberg. There, they’ve successfully bred the peregrine falcon – the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 370 km/h.
Our air shows take place daily, except in case of heavy rain.
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 and 15:00
Sunday and public holiday: 11.00, 14.00 and 16.00
- We are open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.
- Admission to the respective flight demonstration at the earliest ½ hour before the start!
- One demonstration lasts about 45 to 50 min.
- No closing day!
- Groups of 20 people or more, we ask for registration by e-mail or phone: +43 3153 7390
- Dogs are welcome at the bird of prey station Riegersburg
You can find information about the prices here.
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Riegersburg (372m)
